Panama City Car Accident Attorneys

Panama City Auto Accident Lawyers with 100+ Years of Combined Experience

Have you been hurt by another motorist on the road or involved in a car accident in Panama City, FL? If so, it's likely you have a viable claim for compensation.

At Syfrett, Dykes & Furr, our team of dedicated Panama City car accident lawyers has a reputation for diligent, incisive representation for traffic-oriented personal injury claims. Our firm understands the local nuances of Panama City, including the busy intersections and common accident sites that can significantly impact your claim. Being familiar with local courts and procedures allows us to provide more effective legal assistance. Our team is constantly updated on changes in local traffic laws and regulations, enabling us to provide informed advice and representation.

Contact the professionals at Syfrett, Dykes & Furr today to schedule a consultation with our Panama City car accident attorney. Se Habla Español. 

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

When an accident happens, it’s only natural to feel rattled and shaken afterward. However, it’s important to gather your composure following a car accident. The steps you take after your accident can significantly impact the status of any injury or accident claims that you might file in the future. 

These actions should be completed after an accident:

• Take Care of Yourself: Check yourself for injuries and conduct an inventory of any passengers in your vehicle. This should be done before you try to exit your vehicle.
• Get Out of Traffic: Flash your hazard lights to inform other drivers on the road to be cautious. If you have road flares, use them to mark off the accident scene.
• Call 911: A police report can come in handy when you file your accident claim. Calling 911 after an accident can help speed up the claim process.
• Exchange Information: Get names, phone number, and home address from all involved parties. You will also want other information like their insurance company, policy number, and driver’s license.
• Take Pictures and Document the Scene: Make sure to get clear photos of any damage done to your vehicle. This can be used to support your accident claim later on. 
• Contact Your Insurance Company: When you speak with your insurer, remember to be as specific as possible when you describe the events of the accident. 
• Contact Your Mechanic: Schedule an appointment with a mechanic to make needed repairs. Get a detailed report of what repairs were performed on your vehicle as well. 
• Contact an Attorney: Speaking with an auto accident attorney in Panama City is a key step in protecting your rights. An accident attorney knows your rights and the tricks that insurance companies use to reduce your claim. 

Florida's Car Accident Claim Statute of Limitations

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Although this might seem like a generous timeframe, it is crucial to start proceedings as soon as possible to preserve fresh evidence and witness statements. Delay can result in complications, and over time, details can become clouded, weakening your case.

Is Florida a No-Fault State?

When it comes to car accident law, Florida is a "no-fault" state. This means that either party must go through their own personal injury protection insurance coverage to recover damages, regardless of who caused the accident. It is possible to file a personal injury claim; however, certain requirements must first be met. 

How Will I Receive Payment for Car Damage?

If the other side was 100% at fault and if they have the right kind of insurance coverage, then they should pay to fix your car. In Florida, if the other driver is driving legally (with even the minimum insurance), then they should have $10,000 in property damage liability coverage, and this will help pay for your car. 

If you have difficulty with the other person's insurance company and you have collision coverage on your vehicle, then call your own insurance company and ask them to fix your car. In many cases, your legal counsel can negotiate with these insurance providers and ensure that they know what your rights are and are serious about recovering the coverage you deserve.

How Do I Know If I Have a Car Accident Case?

Each case is different, but there are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you should explore your legal options.

Each case is different, but there are a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Is it clear that the other side was at fault or mostly at fault for the crash?
• Do you notice a significant difference in the way you feel versus how you felt before the crash?
• Do you have pain and discomfort on a regular basis that you did not have before?
• Do you have medical bills and/or lost wages that exceed $5,000?
• Have you already had surgery, or is there a strong possibility that you will need surgery?

The more times you have answered yes to these questions, the more likely you are to have a case. Consulting with a legal professional can provide clarity on these aspects and help determine the strength of your case by assessing the evidence and potential value of your claim.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Car Accident in Panama City, FL?

Here are some of the primary services that car accident attorneys provide:

• Case Evaluation and Legal Guidance: A Panama City auto accident attorney can review all details of the accident, including evidence, police reports, and witness statements, while clearly explaining your legal rights, options, and potential outcomes.
• Accident Investigation and Claim Preparation: They can conduct a thorough investigation, preserve crucial evidence, and work with authorities and experts, while ensuring all documents are prepared and filed accurately to prevent delays or denials.
• Insurance Negotiation and Court Representation: Your car accident lawyer can handle communications with insurers, counter low settlement offers, and represent you in court to pursue full compensation if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
• Post-Settlement Assistance: Provide continued support after a settlement or verdict, including addressing disputes with medical providers or other parties regarding accident-related expenses.

Whether you had a Panama City Beach car accident yesterday or last year, our car accident attorneys can help you seek the compensation that you deserve.

Contact Our Panama City Car Accident Attorney Today

Our firm is prepared to launch its own investigation into what happened and develop a compelling case for relief on our clients' behalf. If you have been in a car accident in Panama City, FL, and would like more advice before you speak with a doctor, adjuster, or another concerned party in your case, feel free to give our car accident attorneys in Panama City a call and arrange an initial case evaluation. 

Whether your accident happened on a smaller road or along US 98, our team can help. Understanding what you face and preparing with professional legal support can make a significant difference in outcome quality and peace of mind.

Ready to start exploring your car accident claim options? Our car accident attorneys want to hear from you. Request a free consultation with our car accident lawyers in Panama City, FL, today at (850) 795-4979.

Frequently Asked Questions

If it is your insurance company, then the answer is probably yes, but you have every right to have your attorney present. If it is the other driver’s insurance company, then the answer is no. You are under no obligation to give the other driver’s insurance company a taped statement. 

What About My Lost Wages?

In Florida, your PIP coverage (personal injury protection) will pay 60% of your lost wages that are a result of your automobile accident. As with most insurance, however, this is not automatic. Your employer has to complete a wage history form showing your wages. Your doctor has to complete a form that certifies you have missed work due to the crash. 

What If the Other Driver Was at Fault & My Medical Bills Exceed My Own PIP (No-Fault) Benefits?

If the other driver had bodily injury liability coverage, then that can help with your medical bills. Under Florida law, the other driver’s insurance company has to disclose this information to you. Also, regardless of the kind of coverage the other driver has, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, commonly referred to as UM/UIM, then you are protected. 

Can I File a Car Accident Claim After Insurance Pays?

Most insurance companies include in their settlements that no additional compensation can be collected after the initial settlement amount, so once you agree to a settlement it’s usually difficult to recover anything else. If you have been offered a settlement, or if you have already signed one, talk to a car accident attorney in Panama City, FL, right away. An attorney can help you explore your legal options, so call Syfrett, Dykes & Furr today to talk about your case. 

What if I Am Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault. The compensation you receive will be adjusted depending on your degree of fault. For example, if your responsibility is determined to be 30%, your compensation may be reduced by that same percentage. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from receiving damages.